A PENARTH volunteer was rewarded for his dedication by getting the chance to see Wales smash Australia in the Rugby World Cup in France.

Peter Owen, a volunteer at Penarth Rugby and Athletics Club, travelled to watch Wales trounce Australia in Lyon on Saturday thanks to the partnership the club has with Sportsbreaks.com.

Mr Owen witnessed Wales become the first team to reach the quarter-final after a record-breaking 40-6 win over the former world cup winners.

He said: “What a night it was – Wales completing their biggest-ever win against Australia – and I was there!

“It was fantastic to be here as a representative for Sporting Memories Wales and thanks to the generosity of Sportsbreaks.com.

Penarth Times: Peter Owen inside the Groupama Stadium, Lyon as Wales make history with a record-breaking 40-6 win over Australia on Sunday, September 23. Picture: Peter OwenPeter Owen inside the Groupama Stadium, Lyon as Wales make history with a record-breaking 40-6 win over Australia on Sunday, September 23. Picture: Peter Owen (Image: Peter Owen)Peter Owen inside the Groupama Stadium, Lyon as  Wales make history with a record-breaking 40-6 win over Australia on Sunday, September 23. Picture: Peter Owen

“Now that we’ve won, I think we’re (Wales) going to go all the way and lift the trophy.”

Mr Owen was the first volunteer to travel to France after sportsbreak.com provided volunteers from Wales, Scotland, and England a chance to watch their nation at the Rugby World Cup.

Before the trip, Sporting Memories Wales held a special session at the Penarth Rugby and Athletics Club, where they welcomed members from Cardiff.

They also welcomed former Welsh Rugby international Alun Carter, who discussed his career in the sport as a player with both Wales and his club sides Pontypool and Newport.

The other special guest in attendance was local broadcaster Phil Steele, who provided great entertainment to the members with his stories from commentating on the sport over the years, with tales of players both from the past and currently playing.

Penarth Times: Match winning moment as Jac Morgan scores try to secure quarter final spot. Picture: PAMatch winning moment as Jac Morgan scores try to secure quarter final spot. Picture: PA (Image: PA)Peter Owen witnessed this match-winning moment as Jac Morgan scored a try to secure a quarter-final spot. Picture: PA

Rob Baker, project coordinator, said: “We were delighted to send Peter off in style by hosting a session where we gathered a few clubs locally to take part in a fun event.

“Our thanks must go to Alun and Phil for really adding some great insight and joy into the day with their experiences in Rugby Union.

“Finally, I’d like to also thank sportsbreaks.com for giving Peter the amazing opportunity to go and watch the Rugby World Cup – and what a game it was!

“It’s nice that we could offer one of our volunteers the chance to go and make some incredible sporting memories of their own.

“I’m already looking forward to hearing Peter talk about his time in France at the next session.”